Beowulf
...the book there are obvious references to both
Christian and Pagan rituals. The characters in the epic are newly found
Christians who are trying to remain true to their new faith but are weak and
hence, in times of great trouble, they resort back to their Pagan traditions and
gods out of fear. Pagan rituals in the book are usually present only as
reflections of the past or in times of the characters's greatest turmoil.
Otherwise, in times of happiness and rejoicing, they worship their one, almighty,
Christian God.
When Grendel is attacking Herot, and it's people think they are in their
greatest danger, the people of Herot "sacrificed to the old stone gods / Made
heathen vows / hoping for Hell's Support, the Devil's guidance in driving their
affliction off." (175-178). With the use of the word "old" in this section, it
can be inferred that the stone gods are things of the past. The rest of the
passage shows that it was because of the doubt and fear, instilled in the people
by Grendel, that the people of Herot regressed back to their old gods. The use
of the word "heathen" shows that the soldiers were already Christian and
reverted back to their old ways.
Soon after this statement, the poem reads:
Beware, those who are thrust into danger,
Clutched at by trouble, yet can carry no solace
In their hearts, cannot hope to be better! Hail
To those who will rise to God, drop off
Their dead bodies and seek our Father's peace!
This says that the people whose fear consumes them to the point that
they lose faith that, after death, their souls will not be granted eternal peace
by the Father, God. This illustrates that the soldiers who have fallen from
faith in their worship are doing so only because of great fear, but that they
are looked down upon by God and good Christians. It says that only those who
will sacrifice themselves and trust in God...
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